If you’re a nature lover, hiking enthusiast, or wildlife explorer, this 7-day adventure through Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Yosemite is the perfect road trip for you! Imagine boiling geysers, majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and breathtaking waterfalls—this trip has it all.
Whether you want to watch bison roam freely, kayak on alpine lakes, or hike through legendary landscapes, this national park itinerary will leave you speechless. Let’s dive into the details! 🚗💨
✈️ Getting There: Where to Start Your Trip
🏕️ The Best Airports for This Trip
✔ Fly into: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) – Montana (Closest airport to Yellowstone)
✔ Fly out of: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) – California
🔥 Pro Tip: Renting a car is a must for this trip! A 4WD or SUV is recommended, especially if you plan to explore off-road areas.
🏞️ Days 1-3: Yellowstone National Park – A Wonderland of Geysers & Wildlife
🚗 How to Get Around Yellowstone
🚘 Driving is essential – Yellowstone is huge! The Grand Loop covers around 142 miles and takes a full day to drive.
🌋 Must-See Attractions in Yellowstone
1. Old Faithful & Grand Prismatic Spring
✔ Watch Old Faithful erupt, one of the most famous geysers in the world.
✔ Visit Grand Prismatic Spring, a stunning hot spring with vibrant rainbow colors.
✔ Explore Midway Geyser Basin to see bubbling thermal pools.
🔥 Pro Tip: Visit Old Faithful early in the morning to avoid crowds!
2. Lamar Valley – The Best Place to See Wildlife
✔ Spot bison, wolves, elk, and grizzly bears in their natural habitat.
✔ Drive through the valley at sunrise or sunset for the best wildlife sightings.
🔥 Pro Tip: Bring binoculars for a closer look at animals!
3. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
✔ Hike to Artist Point for a jaw-dropping view of Lower Falls, a 308-foot waterfall.
✔ Explore Uncle Tom’s Trail for a closer look at the powerful Yellowstone River.
🔥 Pro Tip: Take your time here—it’s one of the most scenic spots in the park!
🌮 What to Eat in Yellowstone
🍔 Bison Burger – Try it at Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room.
🥪 Huckleberry Ice Cream – A Montana specialty you can find at Yellowstone’s general stores.
🔥 Pro Tip: Pack snacks and water—food options inside the park are limited.
🏔️ Days 4-5: Grand Teton National Park – Mountains, Lakes & Epic Views
🚗 Drive from Yellowstone to Grand Teton (1-2 hours)
✔ The drive is incredibly scenic, passing through Jackson Hole.
✔ Look out for moose, deer, and bears along the way!
🏞️ Must-See Attractions in Grand Teton
1. Jenny Lake – The Most Beautiful Lake in the Park
✔ Take a boat ride across the lake or hike the Jenny Lake Trail.
✔ Visit Hidden Falls, a stunning waterfall nestled in the forest.
🔥 Pro Tip: Arrive early morning—parking fills up fast!
2. Snake River Overlook & Schwabacher Landing
✔ These are two of the best photo spots in Grand Teton.
✔ Capture the famous mountain reflection on the calm river.
🔥 Pro Tip: Visit at sunrise for magical golden-hour lighting!
3. Kayaking & Wildlife Spotting
✔ Rent a kayak or paddleboard on Jackson Lake for a relaxing afternoon.
✔ Spot bald eagles, otters, and elk along the shores.
🔥 Pro Tip: The best place for kayaking is Colter Bay!
🥩 What to Eat in Grand Teton
🥩 Elk Steak – Try it at The Gun Barrel Steakhouse in Jackson Hole.
🍎 Homemade Huckleberry Pie – A Wyoming favorite!
🔥 Pro Tip: Jackson Hole has great restaurants—stock up before heading to Yosemite.
🌲 Days 6-7: Yosemite National Park – Waterfalls, Giant Sequoias & Legendary Hikes
🚗 Drive from Grand Teton to Yosemite (10-12 hours)
✔ Overnight stop in Salt Lake City or Reno to break up the long drive.
✔ Enjoy scenic desert and mountain landscapes along the way.
🌲 Must-See Attractions in Yosemite
1. Yosemite Valley – The Heart of the Park
✔ See the legendary El Capitan, a massive granite rock face.
✔ Visit Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America (2,425 feet!).
✔ Stop at Tunnel View for the most famous Yosemite landscape shot.
🔥 Pro Tip: Arrive early in the morning—parking is limited in the valley.
2. Glacier Point – The Best Sunset Spot in Yosemite
✔ One of the best panoramic viewpoints in the park.
✔ Watch Half Dome glow orange as the sun sets.
🔥 Pro Tip: Bring a jacket—it gets chilly at night!
3. Hiking Adventures in Yosemite
✔ Half Dome Hike – A challenging but bucket-list-worthy climb (permits required!).
✔ Mist Trail – An epic waterfall hike leading to Vernal & Nevada Falls.
✔ Mariposa Grove – Walk among ancient giant sequoia trees.
🔥 Pro Tip: If you don’t have a Half Dome permit, hike to Sentinel Dome instead for great views!
🍕 What to Eat in Yosemite
🍕 Pizza at Curry Village – A Yosemite favorite after a long hike.
🥪 Picnic by the Merced River – Grab food from Yosemite Village Store.
🔥 Pro Tip: Bring your own food—restaurants are limited inside the park.
🏁 Heading Home: Best Airports for Departure
✔ San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – Best for international & major flights.
✔ Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) – Closer, but with fewer flight options.
🔥 Pro Tip: If you have extra time, spend a night in San Francisco before flying home!
🚀 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This National Park Adventure
✔ Explore three of America’s most stunning national parks in one trip.
✔ See geysers, mountains, wildlife, waterfalls, and giant sequoias—all in 7 days!
✔ Perfect for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.
If you love the great outdoors, this Yellowstone – Grand Teton – Yosemite itinerary is the ultimate bucket-list road trip.
Would you take this trip? Let us know in the comments! 🚗🌲🏞️
